What you need to know BED BUGS

Overview Reports of bed bugs in Ontario and across Canada are on the rise. It’s important to know the facts. Anyone, anywhere can get bed bugs. But…they can be prevented and controlled.

Overview 1.Basic information 2.Identify 3.Prevent 4.Act 5.Myths vs. Fact 6.Information for Tenants

BED BUGS THE BASICS

What are Bed Bugs?

Bed Bugs Do Bite

BED BUGS WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Identify Worried you may have bed bugs? Get a hair dryer (set on hot), a vacuum, thin knife or credit card, and search their favourite hiding spots: –Mattresses –Box spring/bed frame –Cracks/crevices on or near bed –Bedroom baseboards –Nightstands –In or near clutter

Prevention Wash all bedding in hot water and dry on the high heat setting. Be careful when buying used furniture/clothes. Check thoroughly for bed bugs. Never bring discarded furniture or electronics into your home. These items may be infested with bed bugs.

Take Action If you find bed bugs in your home, don’t wait – take action: Tell your landlord or building maintenance person at once. Don’t try to do it yourself. Insect foggers will not get rid of bed bugs. To control bed bugs you will need a licensed professional pest control operator with bed bug experience.

Take Action What you need to do before the pest control operator arrives: Wash all bedding in hot water or dry clean. Place pillows in the dryer on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes. Steam clean, wet vacuum or shampoo carpeting and furnishings. Vacuum mattresses, bed frames, baseboards and objects close to the bed. Discard the vacuum bag in a tightly sealed garbage bag before disposal. Empty all dressers and closets - including linen closets. Clean articles should be placed in the dryer on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes. All soiled articles need to be washed in hot water and dried on high heat. Remove all clutter, such as: books, magazines, toys and home accessories. Clutter is home to bed bugs. Place all items in tightly sealed garbage bags and leave them in the room to be treated.

BED BUG MYTHS

Myth #1 Throwing out my bed will get rid of bed bugs Fact. Bed bugs can occupy almost any dark crack or crevice in a room. Almost everything including clothing, bedding, furniture and electronics can be treated to remove bed bugs.

Myth #2 Bed bugs are only found in low-income neighborhoods. Fact. Bed bugs happen to anyone, anywhere. You get bed bugs simply by coming into contact with them.

Myth #3 Bed bugs cannot survive in Canada due to cold winters. Fact. Even with our cold winters bed bugs continue to survive in all parts of Canada. Bed bugs can be found in almost every country and region. They are a global pest.

Myth #4 I don’t travel very much, so I’m safe. Fact. Travel, whether overseas or in Canada, is not the only possible source of bed bugs. Situations such as riding public transit, having a houseguest or purchasing a piece of second-hand furniture can offer bed bugs a free ride into your home.

Myth #5 My partner seems to have signs of bites, but I do not – so we don’t have bed bugs. Fact. Two people sleeping in the same bed may both be bitten by bed bugs but react in a different way. Some people immediately have a reaction to the bites while others show little or no sign.

Myth #6 There are over-the-counter treatments available for bed bugs. Fact. Such remedies are considered to be ineffective and some are fire hazards. The best way to get rid of bed bugs is to hire a licensed pest control expert and follow their instructions.

Myth #7 I have a metal bed, so I have nothing to worry about. Fact. Although metal beds are less hospitable to bed bugs, simply replacing all beds with metal ones will not solve a bed bug problem. In some cases, metal beds may cause bed bugs to hide in less obvious areas of the bed, making the matter worse.

BED BUG TENANTS

Information for Tenants If you find bed bugs, here is what you should do: –Tenants: Immediately inform your landlord, superintendent, or property manager. –Landlords are responsible for maintaining the unit so it is fit for habitation, and complies with health standards. –You are responsible for cooperating with efforts to control bed bugs.

Tenants What you should know: –Landlords have right to enter to inspect and maintain rental units (written notice, 24 hours in advance). –Landlords are responsible for the cost. Only licensed pest control companies should be used. –You will need to prepare (eliminate clutter, clean your belongings, moving furniture, etc.).

For More Information To learn more about bed bugs, and what you can do to prevent, identify and treat them, visit: – –Contact your local public health unit – visit: c_mn.html c_mn.html